Since the birth of snow skiing, the sport has gradually splintered into a myriad of riding disciplines. While some skiers ride for leisure and exercise, others ride for the adrenaline rush of high-velocity turns and aerial jumps. Slope style riders often grab the edges of their skis to increase the difficulty of their flips and spin variations. ABC-of-Skiing recommends using a small ramp to practice your freestyle grabs. Always wear a safety helmet while attempting snow skiing tricks.
Step 1
Choose a slope style ramp that allows you to jump at least 4 to 5 feet above the riding terrain. Point the tips of your skis towards the base of the obstacle. Propel yourself forward by pushing off the ground with your ski poles.
Step 2
Bend your knees to a 45-degree angle as your momentum increases. Lean back slightly as you ascend the skiing ramp. Hold your ski poles parallel to the ground as you near the top of the ramp.
Step 3
Jump vertically as the tips of your skis reach the apex of the ramp. Lift your knees towards your chest to maximize your hang time. Grip the back end of your ski with one hand to perform a tail grab.
Step 4
Move your hand to the tip of your skis to execute a nose grab. Slide your hand to the outer edge of your ski to perform an indy grab. Release your grip on the ski as you begin to lose altitude.
Step 5
Keep your skis parallel to the ground as you descend towards the riding terrain. Bend your knees as your skis touch down to ensure a smooth landing. Practice these elementary grabs until you can land the maneuvers consistently.
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